The Eugenia Chapter’s 2024 yard tours program shot off on April 18 at the “Ranchette” of Carol and Wayne Thomas. It was nice to see some new faces and welcome back people we haven’t seen during the winter months.
This 5 acre Indian River Farms parcel was originally planted in grapefruit trees and then used for cattle grazing. A native plant restoration project has been ongoing since the property was purchased in 2019. The Eugenia Chapter last visited the Ranchette in 2022, so it was interesting to see how much some of the plants had grown and what had been added.
Attendees arriving early were treated to homemade huckleberry ice cream. Carol and Wayne are avid wild berry pickers during the summer months when they spend the summer camping and living off grid west of the Rocky Mountain states.
Clear skies and a gentle breeze made for great walking conditions. Space X provided additional entertainment with a rocket launch!
Thanks to all our members and guests who brought plants for the auction. Everyone was a winner since all were invited to take home freshly picked English cucumbers, courtesy of Aunt Zorada’s Farm located across the street from the Ranchette.
Eugenia Chapter - Florida Native Plant Society 